The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Launch Date

Finally - we’ve heard of when the new Harry Potter will open! May 28th is the date to remember. It happens to be Memorial Day weekend- very convenient considering many people have an extra long weekend, due to an additional day off of work. It should be a great money making weekend for Universal Studios Orlando. Of course, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be a money maker in and of itself for many many years to come.

Why that weekend? Through the years, many new theme park attractions have used the same weekend to open. One thought is that for parks that are only open during certain seasons, such as in cold climates, Memorial Day weekend is often the date that those parks reopen. It makes sense that they would use that same weekend to unveil their newest rides and attractions. So it’s kind of a traditional date to open a new feature.

We can’t say for sure when the park will open, because Universal has issued no formal statements about the official opening date. We’re judging by the new vacation package that Universal is offering, which states that you will be granted early park admission to “experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” And when do these packages become available? May 28th is the first date you can take advantage of the special packages.

It’s common to hear about a “soft” opening before the actual opening date, too. That could be as early as late April, based on previous experience with new attractions at similar parks. So for all of you who have been waiting patiently and asking us and anyone else who may know, “When exactly does the new land open?” Here is your likely answer. You can actually purchase the special packages now, so what are you waiting for? You know you want to be the first among your friends to experience it. The wait is over my friend!

Universal Studios Continues to Grow with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Theme park lovers this could be your chance! Young or old- if you have ever dreamed of getting a job at one of Orlando’s amazing theme parks, this is the time. Whether you are in need of a permanent job, a temporary job, or just a part-time job for fun and of course - discounted or free park tickets - you should apply at any or all of the Orlando theme parks right now!

It’s a little early for the usual boost in theme park hiring, but all of the major parks have recently reported that they are gearing up for their busy Spring and Summer seasons right now. Disney World is said to be hiring hundreds of workers. Universal said they’re hiring around a thousand new employees. Sea World has already begun hiring by adding nearly two hundred new workers and they say they will hire seven hundred fifty more by mid to end of March! There's no time to wait.

With the new attraction The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening this Spring, Universal will need lots of extra hands. Harry Potter fans may want to apply just to get a sneak peak at the attraction before it opens.

With unemployment as high as it is and the poor economy our nation has been facing for a couple of years now, almost everyone could use a job, or even a second job. And what better atmosphere could there be to work in than one where all of the customers are happy and relaxed on vacation? So, if you need a job, or have just always dreamed of working at a theme park, get online and find out how you can apply today. They can sure use your help at the Universal Studios theme park.

Revisiting Your Favorite Orlando Theme Park

What makes a theme park a place that you can visit again and again? When I see a movie for the first time, I always have criteria in my mind- somewhat of a rating scale. I never sat down and wrote it out, or spent much time contemplating it. It just sort of happens automatically. When people ask how I liked the movie I tell them things like “It was good. It was okay, etc.” But the ultimate criticism from me is if I would a) see the movie again and b) buy the movie. Buying a movie is the ultimate acclaim that I could ever give to a film, because that means I liked it so much that I could see myself watching it over and over.

The theme parks of Orlando are like that. Think about it. Have you ever heard of anyone coming back from Universal Studios Orlando or Disney World saying, “Ohhh, it was okay, but I wouldn’t want to go there again.”? I haven’t. There is so much to do at each park that one visit is never enough. Even people who spend several days in a row at a park still have things that they did not get to or that they can’t wait to do again.

The last time I was at Universal, I loved the Hulk ride so much, I went on it at least three times in the same day! Just because you’ve experienced something doesn’t mean you have had your fill and never need or want to do it again. If that were the case, there would be no McDonald’s, no ice cream shops, and no CD or DVD industry at all! If something is truly exciting, truly fun, or simply put- an experience, you want to enjoy it again and again. Of course, the parks work hard to add new rides and exhibits so that each time you come, you find something new. That is one more reason that people love visiting the theme parks again and again.

Universal Studios Orlando follows Disney's Ticket Increase

Recently, Walt Disney World increased their ticket prices across the board for their theme parks for the forth year in a row. This move surprised many because Disney chose to do this among a staggering economy. Disney tickets rose by about an average of 4%. The children's ticket, which is for ages three to nine, rose 7.9%. This was the highest increase for any of the Disney Tickets. Disney sells plenty of multi-day passes and these received the lowest price increase.

There over 50 attractions alone in the Orlando area competing with Disney for their part of the Florida Tourism Dollar. Disney is certainly the leader in the Orlando Vacation market by far. So, when Disney makes a change the rest of the parks follow.

Universal Studios Orlando is no different. So, when Disney raised their prices on the first Sunday in August, Universal studios was set to soon follow but with a twist. Single day ticket prices have gone from $73 to $79 at the gate, but rather than increase their prices for all of their ticket options, their online tickets and multi-day passes have remained unchanged at least for now.

Universal has stated that their most popular and best selling ticket prices did not receive a price increase. Those ticket prices remain the same.

I guess that the only question to ask at this point. Is Seaworld next?

Orlando Vacations Just Got Better

Orlando Vacations just got better this Summer with the much anticipated launch of Universal Studios' latest ride. Their newest ride is a roller coaster called "Rip Ride Rockit" and is scheduled for its first passengers Summer 2009. Universal has not provided a specific date that the ride will be open.

This coaster promises to be like none other. Each passenger will have their own music playing with about 30 songs to choose from. A wide variety of genres are will be available for the passengers. Passengers will not hear much of their neighbors music since the music is played through the head piece and the coaster is traveling at about 65 miles per hour which drowns out neighboring sound.

Another feature of the coaster is that it is short in length. The train only seats 12 passengers at a time. By the train being shorter it allows for a better user experience according to Universal.